Please read our community fund page for the latest COVID-19 response by Yealm Community Energy. The community fund will be supporting the 5 parishes of Holbeton, Newton & Noss Mayo, Yealmpton, Brixton and Wembury with 5 grants (of up to £2,000 each) in support of these parishes who are supporting CV-19 issues. Please use the application form on that page to apply.

There is a lot happening at Yealm Community Energy, albeit behind the scenes and via Zoom! We are working hard with our new team of Directors, Advisors and our newly appointed Operations Manager. Watch this space over the next few months for details of our forthcoming share offer.

Tracy Ebbrell – YCE’s new Operations Manager.

March 2020

Yealm Community Energy welcomes Sir Gary Streeter, MP for South West Devon to Creacombe Solar Farm. The local MP asked to return to the site when the wildflowers were established later in the year. Mr Streeter said “Creacombe Solar Farm is a bold and pioneering project that can lead the way for a real step-change in the UK.“

February 2020

13/2 Article by journalist Hazel Sheffield in the Independent 13 Feb: on VCE, Newton Downs solar farm and the view of the farmer landowner.

10/2 We are very pleased that Creacombe solar farm is now complete and generating power. We have issued the following press release to local media:

Creacombe community solar farm completes construction

10 February 2020 The UK’s first post-subsidy community solar farm, Creacombe Solar Farm near Yealmpton, South Devon, has now been completed and was connected to the grid at the end of January.

The 7.3MW project will generate enough green electricity to supply the equivalent of around 2,440 homes, or more than half the households in the five local parishes of Newton & Noss, Holbeton, Yealmpton, Wembury and Brixton. It will save approximately 2,000 tonnes of carbon per year.

Developed in close cooperation with local group Yealm Community Energy (YCE), Gnaton Farms and the Lopes Family, the solar farm is on low-grade land owned by Gnaton Farms and was granted planning consent in 2017. Under the ownership of Community Owned Renewable Energy Partners (CORE), an initiative from charitable trust Power to Change, construction of the solar farm began in September and was completed at the end of January.

The solar farm is split into two parts: 60 percent of the site is expected to receive a small subsidy in the form of one of the last Community Feed-in Tariffs for which it was pre-accredited, while the remaining 40 percent is subsidy-free, making it the first subsidy-free community ground-mount solar to be built in the UK.

Power to Change also runs the Next Generation programme, which gives grants and support to innovative ideas for creating renewable energy, and which is advising YCE.

Peter Brown, YCE Chair, said: “It is over five years since Yealm Community Energy started to explore the idea of bringing a community solar farm to this part of Devon which is ideal for generating solar power. We are very pleased that Creacombe is now connected to the grid, although work will continue on the landscaping and creating wildflower meadows and wildlife habitats around the panels, and are excited about the next phase of the project – launching our share offer this summer.”

“We would like to thank the people and organisations that have helped us get here: Gnaton Farms and the Lopes family for their support; CORE, Environmental Finance and Next Generation for helping us with the acquisition and transfer to community ownership; and Goldbeck Solar for building the project during a very muddy winter!”

With support from CORE and Next Generation, YCE plans to launch an investment offer this summer to enable the community to invest directly in Creacombe along with another nearby operational solar farm, Newton Downs, which is also part of the CORE portfolio.

Peter added “Both solar farms will be able to generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of all the homes in our five local parishes helping to meet our Net Zero commitments, saving over 3000 tonnes of carbon a year. Equally important, once we have completed the share offer so they are fully community-owned we expect to generate a healthy profit which will be spent locally to grow other exciting initiatives to tackle the climate crisis such as energy efficiency, electric vehicles and more green power generation.”

Newton Downs solar farm has been operational since 2017 and has already made an important contribution locally through its community benefit fund which is administered by YCE. The 2019 grant funding round, closed in December awarding £20,000 to 14 different projects, ranging from £5,000 to South Dartmoor Community Energy for its “Net Zero Heroes” programme, to £400 to Brixton Parish council for equipment for voluntary clean-up activities.

Leading social and environmental impact investor, Environmental Finance, advised CORE through the development and financing of Creacombe solar farm. CORE is a £50m social investment partnership between Big Society Capital and Power to Change, whose aim is to bring solar farms into community ownership and deliver lasting local community benefits.

Andre Sarvarian, Associate Director at Environmental Finance, said “We have been delighted to support Creacombe throughout the construction process. Having developed and managed CORE, Environmental Finance has been an integral part of the delivery and investment for Creacombe alongside supporting another 32MW of community solar over the last two years. Creacombe sets a leading example which can further stimulate the community energy market towards subsidy-free renewables, whilst delivering tangible social and environmental community benefits over the project lifetimes flowing directly to the local communities surrounding these projects.”

Will Walker, Community Energy Programme Manager, Power to Change, said: “We are very proud to have played a part in the creation of the UK’s first post-subsidy community owned solar farm at Creacombe.

“Our Next Generation programme is working alongside CORE to equip all the community groups with the knowledge, skills and opportunities that they need to take ownership and develop these solar assets into successful long-term projects that deliver against local needs and priorities. They will bring huge benefits to their local areas, from affordable warmth projects tackling fuel poverty, to better community and cultural spaces.”

Over their operational lifetime, CORE’s portfolio of solar farms are expected to create a surplus of several million pounds to fund community benefit projects. In the Yealm area this has already included putting solar panels on Newton and Noss Village Hall and creating a community wildflower meadow and orchard in Yealmpton.

January 2020

First part of Creacombe solar farm commissioned

The 4.4MW of the site that is eligible for the Feed-In Tariff had to be commissioned by 31 December to qualify. The terrible weather over the last few months didn’t help to meet the tight timetable, but on 30 December all of the tests required by WPD were completed and the site was connected to the grid. The remaining 3 MW, which is connected via a separate connection and will have no subsidy is in place. It is expected to be connected to the grid by the end of January.

December 2019

2019 Community Fund Awards announced.

The 2019 round received 26 applications requesting grants of £48,929 for projects values at £305,548. The Community fund has only £20,000 available, so was unable to fund all of these; eight were funded in full, and six funded in part, the same overall number of applications funded as in 2018. See the list of project funding awards here.

We are recruiting!

Part-time paid post.

We are now recruiting an Operations/Marketing Manager to work with us over at least the next 18 months part-time (2 days+ per week) to take the society through the purchase of the two solar farms over the next two years. We are looking for a good communicator who is financially numerate and well organised and excited by the project. Could this by you, or do you know someone who could fit the bill? Deadline for applications: 7 January 2020.

November 2019

Creacombe nearing completion

All 18,000 panels are now in place and are being connected to the invertors and the substations. Work is expected to complete by the end of December, when it will be connected to the grid.

October 2019

Presentation of the Business Plan

The Business Plan was presented by the Board to members of YCE on 12 October for discussion. It is a living document and a revised version will be needed in the New Year to incorporate more details about the Creacombe solar farm. See presentation here.

September 2019

Hear the Podcast from Power to Change featuring Yealm Community Energy. YCE was the main subject of this overview of community energy projects supported by Power to Change.

August 2019

Second Round of Community Fund now open for applications

See information under Community Fund on how to apply for funding for your organisation’s project. Applications to be made by 31 October 2019.

AGM and Social 23 Feb 2019

SATURDAY 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. 23 FEB 2019

WI Community Hall,

The Green, Parsonage Road, Newton Ferrers PL8 1AT

Come along to hear about recent exciting progress and plans for the coming year; and stay for a glass of wine and a chat afterwards.

January 2019

The Community Fund Awards event on 13 January was a great success, with an inspiring talk by Prof. Iain Stewart on communicating the science of climate change, and presentations by groups who had received project grants.

Date for your diary: YCE AGM will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday 23 February 2019 at the WI Community Hall in Newton Ferrers.

Community Fund Awards

Community Fund Awards Event

Thursday 13th December 2018 7pm

WIC Hall Newton Ferrers PL8 1AT

Keynote speaker: Prof Iain Stewart

Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute, University of Plymouth

Join us at this event for MulledWine and Mince Pies and to hear more about the successful bids, and how YOUR group could obtain a grant in the next round.

We are delighted that Iain Stewart, of TV science fame, will be delivering the Keynote address

All WELCOME

November 2018

We are delighted to announce the first allocation of grants from the community fund to projects from community organisations across the Yealm area. We would like to congratulate the organisations submitting the successful applications (see below).

The first year of operation of the Newton Downs solar farm, of which we currently own only a token share, has generated income for the community fund of £20,000. This is after payment of the fees and dividends for the current majority owners (Community Owned Renewables LLP).

Despite the short notice (availability of the fund announced only in July), 15 applications were received from across the Yealm area by the deadline of the end of December. Grants were made to 14 of these projects, described below:

Creating pollinator and wildlife-friendly areas within Stray Park and other community spaces

1750

Brookings Down Wood Management Committee

Tree Safety Measures: Middlecombe Lane

1200

Injury Prevention Minimisation and Prevention (N & N Network)

Start of Injury Minimisation Programme for Schools

820

Newton & Noss Community Housing

Create a legal community entity to engage with local affordable housing for local people

1250

River Yealm Regatta

Renovation fo four traditional crabber boats

1250

Yealmpton Cricket Club

Purchasing a Roller for club, with members also from N&N and Holbeton; improve safety

800

Wembury War Memorial Village Hall CIO

Replacement of Village Hall floors to protect range of social activities

2500

Holbeton Bells

Restoration of church bells and tower

1500

Newton Downs – Now we are underway!

July 2018

We have held successful negotiations with the new owners of Newton Downs solar farm and have signed an agreement with them – Community Owned Renewable Energy LLP, to purchase a share in Newton Downs with the intention of completing the total purchase within 3 years. We will be making a share offer in the next 12 months.

We would invite you to share the link with others who might be interested. We need to increase our membership and supporters in anticipation of the share offer. New members or supporters can sign up online to be kept informed.

Community Fund

The Community Fund is now open for Applications for projects in the Yealm area – the parishes of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, Yealmpton, Brixton, Holbeton and Wembury. There will be approximately £20,000 available for the coming year.

Other activities:

Choosing the best energy tariff

We have partnered with our neighbouring community energy society, South Dartmoor Community Energy, to support those who could save money by switching supplier. If you haven’t changed your energy supplier(s) for a few years then it could really be worth checking that you’re on the best tariff.

South Dartmoor Community Energy, offers a free and impartial energy advice service for residents in the South Hams and are happy to help you to check you’re on the best tariff and to shop around for a better one if needs be. They can offer this advice over the phone (0800 112 3044), via e-mail (info@southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org) or via home visits. To get the best advice it’s helpful to have a recent energy bill to hand so that you can see the name of your current tariff and your annual usage figures.

Jan 3 2018

Newton Downs solar farm is coming into community ownership

CORE (Community Owned Renewable Energy) has bought the Newton Downs solar farm from Good Energy in partnership with Yealm Community Energy (YCE).

CORE is a £40 million community energy fund that acquires solar farms on behalf of the local community, and then facilitates their transfer into community ownership. CORE has been working with YCE over the last few months to help bring Newton Downs into community ownership.

CORE invested £5.83 million to fund the purchase. YCE now has three years to raise the ‘equity’ capital and debt finance to take the solar farm into total community ownership from a community investment offer. CORE will be helping to raise the long-term loan finance, and will be implementing a range of improvements to Newton Downs in order to optimise the environmental and financial benefits.

Newton Downs solar farm is expected to generate £20,000 a year of income for a community fund from the outset, and over £1 million over its 30-year life.

The YCE AGM will take place on Saturday February 3rd, at 10:00 am, in the WI Hall on the Green in Newton Ferrers. Everyone interested in supporting this initiative is welcome.

May 2017

Creacombe solar farm

The landowner, Gnaton Farms has made a planning application for a 7.3 MW solar farm, with negligible visual impact, on the borders of Holbeton, Yealmpton and Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo. They wish to offer it to the local community to purchase, and would give Yealm Community Energy preference to do that. We are in discussions with them on agreeing the basis on which we could purchase it. Note that there will be no subsidies available, so it will be a pioneering subsidy-free project, but that makes the financial viability more challenging. See Presentation here

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Latest Twitter

October 2019

Presentation of the Business Plan

The Business Plan was presented by the Board to members of YCE on 12 October for discussion. It is a living document and a revised version will be needed in the New Year to incorporate more details about the Creacombe solar farm. See presentation here.

September 2019

Hear the Podcast from Power to Change featuring Yealm Community Energy. YCE was the main subject of this overview of community energy projects supported by Power to Change.

August 2019

Second Round of Community Fund now open for applications

See information under Community Fund on how to apply for funding for your organisation’s project. Applications to be made by 31 October 2019.

AGM and Social 23 Feb 2019

SATURDAY 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. 23 FEB 2019WI Community Hall, The Green, Parsonage Road, Newton Ferrers PL8 1AT Come along to hear about recent exciting progress and plans for the coming year; and stay for a glass of wine and a chat afterwards. Agenda

January 2019

The Community Fund Awards event on 13 January was a great success, with an inspiring talk by Prof. Iain Stewart on communicating the science of climate change, and presentations by groups who had received project grants. See Presentation of grant awards. Date for your diary: YCE AGM will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday 23 February 2019 at the WI Community Hall in Newton Ferrers.

Community Fund Awards

Keynote speaker: Prof Iain Stewart

Join us at this event for MulledWine and Mince Pies and to hear more about the successful bids, and how YOUR group could obtain a grant in the next round.

We are delighted that Iain Stewart, of TV science fame, will be delivering the Keynote address

All WELCOME

November 2018

We are delighted to announce the first allocation of grants from the community fund to projects from community organisations across the Yealm area. We would like to congratulate the organisations submitting the successful applications (see below). The first year of operation of the Newton Downs solar farm, of which we currently own only a token share, has generated income for the community fund of £20,000. This is after payment of the fees and dividends for the current majority owners (Community Owned Renewables LLP). Despite the short notice (availability of the fund announced only in July), 15 applications were received from across the Yealm area by the deadline of the end of December. Grants were made to 14 of these projects, described below: Brief descriptionGrant (£) Pilot initiative to reduce energy poverty and carbon footprint in 5 parishes 2541 Installation of solar panels on commuity building 4000 Life on the Yealm; celebration of wildlife that lives in and around the Yealm 905 Learning how to help save the bees; educational and environmental project around bees 247 Learning how to protect the environment; education about plastic and small changes to make a difference 145 Reinstating a larger pond, involving preschool, afterschool club, rainbows, brownies, beavers, cubs 1092 Creating pollinator and wildlife-friendly areas within Stray Park and other community spaces 1750 Tree Safety Measures: Middlecombe Lane 1200 Start of Injury Minimisation Programme for Schools 820 Create a legal community entity to engage with local affordable housing for local people 1250 Renovation fo four traditional crabber boats 1250 Purchasing a Roller for club, with members also from N&N and Holbeton; improve safety 800 Replacement of Village Hall floors to protect range of social activities 2500 Restoration of church bells and tower 1500 Newton & Noss Village Hall Marine Biological Association of the UK1st Yealm Brownies (Girl Guiding UK)1st Yealm Rainbows (Girl Guiding UK)Yealmpton schoolYealmpton Wild Flower ProjectBrookings Down Wood Management CommitteeInjury Prevention Minimisation and Prevention (N & N Network)Newton & Noss Community HousingRiver Yealm RegattaYealmpton Cricket ClubWembury War Memorial Village Hall CIOHolbeton Bells

Application by

South Dartmoor Community Energy

Newton Downs – Now we are underway!

July 2018

We have held successful negotiations with the new owners of Newton Downs solar farm and have signed an agreement with them – Community Owned Renewable Energy LLP, to purchase a share in Newton Downs with the intention of completing the total purchase within 3 years. We will be making a share offer in the next 12 months.

We would invite you to share the link with others who might be interested. We need to increase our membership and supporters in anticipation of the share offer. New members or supporters can sign up online to be kept informed.

Community Fund

The Community Fund is now open for Applications for projects in the Yealm area – the parishes of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, Yealmpton, Brixton, Holbeton and Wembury. There will be approximately £20,000 available for the coming year. Other activities:

Choosing the best energy tariff

We have partnered with our neighbouring community energy society, South Dartmoor Community Energy, to support those who could save money by switching supplier. If you haven’t changed your energy supplier(s) for a few years then it could really be worth checking that you’re on the best tariff. South Dartmoor Community Energy, offers a free and impartial energy advice service for residents in the South Hams and are happy to help you to check you’re on the best tariff and to shop around for a better one if needs be. They can offer this advice over the phone (0800 112 3044), via e-mail (info@southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org) or via home visits. To get the best advice it’s helpful to have a recent energy bill to hand so that you can see the name of your current tariff and your annual usage figures.

Jan 3 2018

Newton Downs solar farm is coming into community ownership

CORE (Community Owned Renewable Energy) has bought the Newton Downs solar farm from Good Energy in partnership with Yealm Community Energy (YCE). CORE is a £40 million community energy fund that acquires solar farms on behalf of the local community, and then facilitates their transfer into community ownership. CORE has been working with YCE over the last few months to help bring Newton Downs into community ownership. CORE invested £5.83 million to fund the purchase. YCE now has three years to raise the ‘equity’ capital and debt finance to take the solar farm into total community ownership from a community investment offer. CORE will be helping to raise the long-term loan finance, and will be implementing a range of improvements to Newton Downs in order to optimise the environmental and financial benefits. Newton Downs solar farm is expected to generate £20,000 a year of income for a community fund from the outset, and over £1 million over its 30-year life. The YCE AGM will take place on Saturday February 3rd, at 10:00 am, in the WI Hall on the Green in Newton Ferrers. Everyone interested in supporting this initiative is welcome.

May 2017

Creacombe solar farm

The landowner, Gnaton Farms has made a planning application for a 7.3 MW solar farm, with negligible visual impact, on the borders of Holbeton, Yealmpton and Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo. They wish to offer it to the local community to purchase, and would give Yealm Community Energy preference to do that. We are in discussions with them on agreeing the basis on which we could purchase it. Note that there will be no subsidies available, so it will be a pioneering subsidy-free project, but that makes the financial viability more challenging. See Presentation here

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Latest Twitter

October 2019

Presentation of the Business Plan

The Business Plan was presented by the Board to members of YCE on 12 October for discussion. It is a living document and a revised version will be needed in the New Year to incorporate more details about the Creacombe solar farm. See presentation here.

September 2019

Hear the Podcast from Power to Change featuring Yealm Community Energy. YCE was the main subject of this overview of community energy projects supported by Power to Change.

August 2019

Second Round of Community Fund now open for applications

See information under Community Fund on how to apply for funding for your organisation’s project. Applications to be made by 31 October 2019.

AGM and Social 23 Feb 2019

SATURDAY 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. 23 FEB 2019WI Community Hall, The Green, Parsonage Road, Newton Ferrers PL8 1AT Come along to hear about recent exciting progress and plans for the coming year; and stay for a glass of wine and a chat afterwards. Agenda

January 2019

The Community Fund Awards event on 13 January was a great success, with an inspiring talk by Prof. Iain Stewart on communicating the science of climate change, and presentations by groups who had received project grants. See Presentation of grant awards. Date for your diary: YCE AGM will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday 23 February 2019 at the WI Community Hall in Newton Ferrers.

Community Fund Awards

Keynote speaker: Prof Iain Stewart

Join us at this event for MulledWine and Mince Pies and to hear more about the successful bids, and how YOUR group could obtain a grant in the next round.

We are delighted that Iain Stewart, of TV science fame, will be delivering the Keynote address

All WELCOME

November 2018

We are delighted to announce the first allocation of grants from the community fund to projects from community organisations across the Yealm area. We would like to congratulate the organisations submitting the successful applications (see below). The first year of operation of the Newton Downs solar farm, of which we currently own only a token share, has generated income for the community fund of £20,000. This is after payment of the fees and dividends for the current majority owners (Community Owned Renewables LLP). Despite the short notice (availability of the fund announced only in July), 15 applications were received from across the Yealm area by the deadline of the end of December. Grants were made to 14 of these projects, described below: Brief descriptionGrant (£) Pilot initiative to reduce energy poverty and carbon footprint in 5 parishes 2541 Installation of solar panels on commuity building 4000 Life on the Yealm; celebration of wildlife that lives in and around the Yealm 905 Learning how to help save the bees; educational and environmental project around bees 247 Learning how to protect the environment; education about plastic and small changes to make a difference 145 Reinstating a larger pond, involving preschool, afterschool club, rainbows, brownies, beavers, cubs 1092 Creating pollinator and wildlife-friendly areas within Stray Park and other community spaces 1750 Tree Safety Measures: Middlecombe Lane 1200 Start of Injury Minimisation Programme for Schools 820 Create a legal community entity to engage with local affordable housing for local people 1250 Renovation fo four traditional crabber boats 1250 Purchasing a Roller for club, with members also from N&N and Holbeton; improve safety 800 Replacement of Village Hall floors to protect range of social activities 2500 Restoration of church bells and tower 1500 Newton & Noss Village Hall Marine Biological Association of the UK1st Yealm Brownies (Girl Guiding UK)1st Yealm Rainbows (Girl Guiding UK)Yealmpton schoolYealmpton Wild Flower ProjectBrookings Down Wood Management CommitteeInjury Prevention Minimisation and Prevention (N & N Network)Newton & Noss Community HousingRiver Yealm RegattaYealmpton Cricket ClubWembury War Memorial Village Hall CIOHolbeton Bells

Application by

South Dartmoor Community Energy

Newton Downs – Now we are underway!

July 2018

We have held successful negotiations with the new owners of Newton Downs solar farm and have signed an agreement with them – Community Owned Renewable Energy LLP, to purchase a share in Newton Downs with the intention of completing the total purchase within 3 years. We will be making a share offer in the next 12 months.

We would invite you to share the link with others who might be interested. We need to increase our membership and supporters in anticipation of the share offer. New members or supporters can sign up online to be kept informed.

Community Fund

The Community Fund is now open for Applications for projects in the Yealm area – the parishes of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, Yealmpton, Brixton, Holbeton and Wembury. There will be approximately £20,000 available for the coming year. Other activities:

Choosing the best energy tariff

We have partnered with our neighbouring community energy society, South Dartmoor Community Energy, to support those who could save money by switching supplier. If you haven’t changed your energy supplier(s) for a few years then it could really be worth checking that you’re on the best tariff. South Dartmoor Community Energy, offers a free and impartial energy advice service for residents in the South Hams and are happy to help you to check you’re on the best tariff and to shop around for a better one if needs be. They can offer this advice over the phone (0800 112 3044), via e-mail (info@southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org) or via home visits. To get the best advice it’s helpful to have a recent energy bill to hand so that you can see the name of your current tariff and your annual usage figures.

Jan 3 2018

Newton Downs solar farm is coming into community ownership

CORE (Community Owned Renewable Energy) has bought the Newton Downs solar farm from Good Energy in partnership with Yealm Community Energy (YCE). CORE is a £40 million community energy fund that acquires solar farms on behalf of the local community, and then facilitates their transfer into community ownership. CORE has been working with YCE over the last few months to help bring Newton Downs into community ownership. CORE invested £5.83 million to fund the purchase. YCE now has three years to raise the ‘equity’ capital and debt finance to take the solar farm into total community ownership from a community investment offer. CORE will be helping to raise the long-term loan finance, and will be implementing a range of improvements to Newton Downs in order to optimise the environmental and financial benefits. Newton Downs solar farm is expected to generate £20,000 a year of income for a community fund from the outset, and over £1 million over its 30-year life. The YCE AGM will take place on Saturday February 3rd, at 10:00 am, in the WI Hall on the Green in Newton Ferrers. Everyone interested in supporting this initiative is welcome.

May 2017

Creacombe solar farm

The landowner, Gnaton Farms has made a planning application for a 7.3 MW solar farm, with negligible visual impact, on the borders of Holbeton, Yealmpton and Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo. They wish to offer it to the local community to purchase, and would give Yealm Community Energy preference to do that. We are in discussions with them on agreeing the basis on which we could purchase it. Note that there will be no subsidies available, so it will be a pioneering subsidy-free project, but that makes the financial viability more challenging. See Presentation here